Raw Food Diet: Raw Vegetable Diet

Raw food diet, a variant of vegan type diet, consists of food which can be consumed uncooked. It is believed that most of the health nutrients and vitamins in the vegetables are lost when they are cooked, hence, eating the vegetables raw is considered to be a healthier option. Food items in raw food diet consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains, beans and dry fruits.

Raw Vegetable Diet

Raw food diet is healthier and nutritious than cooked food. Various studies have revealed that cooking food depreciates its nutritional value. It is believed that heating food above 115° F destroys the vital enzymes in the food, which help the body to digest and absorb the food. Raw vegetable diet contains very low amount of fats and sodium. It is high in magnesium, fiber, folate and potassium. As the diet consists of raw vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, it reduces the intake of starches, complex carbohydrates and fats. This in turn reduces the risk of diabetes, heart diseases and cancer.

Many people have a misconception that raw vegetable diet only consists of eating uncooked foods like salads and fruits. There are many raw food recipes which can tempt you to eat various raw foods, ranging from eating sprouted beans or seeds, to eating soaked nuts or dry fruits. Fruits and vegetables can also be consumed in the form of juice, as juicing fruits or vegetables keeps the essential nutrients intact. Some people argue that raw vegetable diet is not very healthy, as it has inadequate amounts of proteins, due to the exclusion of meat, eggs, dairy products, fish, etc. In fact, sufficient amounts of proteins can be derived from this diet by including food items which consist of adequate amount of vegetable proteins.

In a process called digestive leukocytosis, the number of leukocytes or white blood cells rise considerably after eating food. Initially, it was assumed that digestive leukocytosis takes place after eating any type of food. But studies in the 1930s revealed that the formation of white blood cells is not triggered on consuming raw food. White blood cell levels rise when the body anticipates possible dangers, which means that the body assumes that cooked foods are hazardous, and therefore triggers the defense mechanism.

Benefits of the Raw Food Diet

Raw food diet is considered to be one of the most healthy and nutritious food. Various studies have time and again proved the benefits of having raw food diet. Since it is low in fat content, most of the food is converted into energy, and thus maintains the health and fitness levels. It also helps in weight loss. The diet consisting of uncooked food also helps in detoxification. As the toxins are flushed out of the body, the skin appears healthier, making the person look younger. It facilitates proper digestion and regular bowel movements, hence, the person rarely suffers from problems such as constipation. Uncooked food also reduces the risk of heart diseases and reduces the stress levels. It improves the menstrual cycles in women. Recent studies have revealed that getting accustomed to a raw food diet can avoid chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.

Though considered very healthy, raw food can trigger some health problems in people of certain age groups, ranging from mild headaches and nausea to detoxification reaction. Therefore, total dependence on this diet should be avoided by children, pregnant women and people suffering from anemia.

Keeping many health hazards at bay, raw vegetable diet can turn out to be extremely beneficial. So if you are looking forward to these health benefits or complaining some health hazards, it would be wise to switch over to raw food diet as early as possible - it will assure you of a better and healthier life ahead.